Bert Wilkins was approved as the Executive Secretary to the Clemson University Board of Trustees at a meeting held on August 21, 2026. Wilkins, who currently serves as Senior Associate General Counsel for the University, steps into this role following April Purvis being named chief executive officer of the Clemson University Foundation.
Wilkins joined Clemson University’s Office of General Counsel in January 2020. In his capacity as Senior Associate General Counsel, he advises University leadership on complex legal and institutional matters. His responsibilities include managing litigation and outside counsel, and providing guidance to University administration, faculty, and staff on various issues such as public safety, employment, regulatory, and procurement matters. He also collaborates with the Board of Trustees, the President’s Office, and other University divisions on Freedom of Information Act requests, subpoenas, and discovery matters.
David Dukes, who chaired the search committee, stated that Wilkins brings a unique combination of executive leadership, public service, institutional knowledge, and a demonstrated commitment to Clemson. Dukes noted Wilkins’ understanding of the University, its people, its culture, and its operational environment, highlighting his strong qualifications for the role.
Beyond his work at Clemson, Wilkins has served in the South Carolina Army National Guard since 2006, holding the rank of Colonel. He is the Staff Judge Advocate to the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, where he advises senior military leadership on operational law, administrative law, military justice, and policy. His military service includes a 2018 deployment to Europe as the forward-deployed Brigade Judge Advocate for the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade during Operation Atlantic Resolve.
Before joining Clemson, Wilkins spent over a decade in private practice. Most recently, he was the managing partner and co-owner of Wilkins & Bouton LLC in Greenville. Earlier in his career, he worked as an associate attorney and policy advisor with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, focusing on state government relations, public policy, and litigation.
Wilkins began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable John W. Kittredge. He later served as Deputy Counsel and Legislative Assistant in the office of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in history from Wofford College. He is also a graduate of Clemson University’s President’s Leadership Institute.
